About Graphene
Graphene is a single layer of pure carbon and is formed when carbon atoms are bonded into hexagonal patterns. Graphene is considered to be two dimensional because its layer is too thin.
Before graphene was discovered on 2004 scientists believed that two dimensional compounds could not exist because they would be too unstable. Graphene however though its bonded hexagonal lattice pattern is completely stable.
Graphene, while largely transparent can be seen with the naked eye even at one atom thick (0.345Nm).
Graphene: exceptional characteristics
• Graphene is stronger than kevlar and 200x stronger than steel.
• Extremely lightweight, Graphene at 0.77 mg per M² is 1,000 x lighter than regular paper.
• Graphene at one atom thick is the thinnest material we can see.
• Best known conductor of electicity and can move electrons 10 x faster than silicon using less energy.
• Best know conductor of heat at room temperature.
• Graphene can absorb 2.3% of white light remarkable considering how thin the material is.
• Sustainable, renewable and eco-friendly as carbon is the 4th most abundant material on earth.
What is Graphene Oxide?
Although Graphene has a myriad of features, its production is relatively hard and expensive. However, we prepare Graphene Oxide from the oxidation of Graphite that is comparatively cheaper and can be produced in abundance. Just as the name suggests, Graphene Oxide is the oxidised version of Graphene, which is laced with the groups containing oxygen. The substance is dispersible in water and other solvents as well. The product is sold in forms of powder, the coating on the substrates, or as dispersion material.
Why Graphene Oxide?
Because of its unique properties Graphene Oxide can be used to enhance the properties of most products in virtually every industry, including Aerospace, Medicine, Construction, Automotive, Electronics, Clothing, Cosmetic, Textiles, Food, Agriculture, Sports Equipment & Health.
Recently, Graphene Oxide has been in much demand for being used in the materials used in Space. The substance is environment-friendly. Graphene Oxide is used along with Nano porous membranes, which plays a significant role in the desalination of water, and acts as an excellent water filtrate. Graphene Oxide also has the property of being able to remove the radioactive materials from contaminated water bodies.